"Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This 'letter' is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant."
2 Corinthians 3:3–6
Encouragement for Today
"This passage is a good reminder that we cannot do anything of lasting value on our own. Our only power and success come from God. We need to seek him, to ask him to empower us to participate in the work he's already doing in the world. Trust God and leave the results up to him to interpret. Let God define what success is."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
We are a letter from Christ to a lost and dying world. We are a living testimony of the changing power of our living Savior. How we live our lives matters. On our own we are nothing and can do nothing. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives become His Words in Action! Are you trusting in Him today? Are you living for Him today? What are people reading in the letter your life is writing? Does it speak for Jesus Christ?
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Jesus wasn't 'Politically Correct'
In today's climate, being 'politically correct' is deemed as the right thing to do by many people in the world. Those who challenge the popular view or speak outside what's considered 'politically correct' are often viewed as ignorant or extreme. Political correctness often rails against spiritual correctness. What is right in the eyes of men isn't always what is right in the sight of our holy and righteous God.
Jesus Himself confronted the politically powerful of His day - the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He didn't go out searching for them to pick a fight with, but He didn't set out to avoid them either. His primary job was to carry out His Father's work. So, when they came looking to challenge Him, He didn't mince words. Christ's spoke Truth, Truth that wasn't pleasant nor politically correct. Christ didn't conform His speech to what they thought was right. In fact, He didn't even try to smooth things over with them. Christ didn't compromise God's Truth simply because it didn't meet the 'politically correct' criteria of the day. There is no comprimising the God's Truth! In fact, Christ Himself said this, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’" Matthew 10:34-35 His Words are the sword that separates wheat from chaff. Unfortunately, those who are the chaff don't like what He has to say.
Man's idea of what is right and 'politically correct' is fickle. It changes as often as the wind changes direction. What's politically correct one day is considered foolish the next. To see this we need only to take a trip back in time. Our own history is so revealing. Once upon a time, in this great country, it was politically correct to deny certain people (people of color or women) their rights. Many things that are considered politically correct only exist until society determines them to no longer be right. Yes, political correctness is fickle. We like to think we get better as a society, but one fickle notion can be replace by other ridiculous notions. Yes, there has been much good that has resulted as society reexamines itself and changes it's ideas on what's politically correct. This has resulted in improvements in our society and has changed political thinking in many areas, especially civil rights. However, now there are those who have surfaced who want to suppress Christians from speaking out at all. They wish to remove all references of faith from every public aspect of society. I see that suppressing and oppressing Christians becoming the 'politically correct' thing to do. Oh, wait a minute, I've already read about this, in Revelation!
Political correctness is fickle. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT! God's Word has lasted since the beginning, unchanged and unblemished. God never changes, His Truth never changes, and His Promises to us never change.
In His time on earth, Jesus challenged the notions of His day. Today, His Truth still confronts false notions that people accept as politically correct. His Words challenge those who try to conform people into cookie cutter members of a godless society. His Words should challenge us not to conform to the the popular, politically correct ideas of our world. Instead, let challenge all notions against the Word of the Living God. Let us be transformed to the will of our perfect Father.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
In His Love, Cathy
Jesus Himself confronted the politically powerful of His day - the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He didn't go out searching for them to pick a fight with, but He didn't set out to avoid them either. His primary job was to carry out His Father's work. So, when they came looking to challenge Him, He didn't mince words. Christ's spoke Truth, Truth that wasn't pleasant nor politically correct. Christ didn't conform His speech to what they thought was right. In fact, He didn't even try to smooth things over with them. Christ didn't compromise God's Truth simply because it didn't meet the 'politically correct' criteria of the day. There is no comprimising the God's Truth! In fact, Christ Himself said this, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’" Matthew 10:34-35 His Words are the sword that separates wheat from chaff. Unfortunately, those who are the chaff don't like what He has to say.
Man's idea of what is right and 'politically correct' is fickle. It changes as often as the wind changes direction. What's politically correct one day is considered foolish the next. To see this we need only to take a trip back in time. Our own history is so revealing. Once upon a time, in this great country, it was politically correct to deny certain people (people of color or women) their rights. Many things that are considered politically correct only exist until society determines them to no longer be right. Yes, political correctness is fickle. We like to think we get better as a society, but one fickle notion can be replace by other ridiculous notions. Yes, there has been much good that has resulted as society reexamines itself and changes it's ideas on what's politically correct. This has resulted in improvements in our society and has changed political thinking in many areas, especially civil rights. However, now there are those who have surfaced who want to suppress Christians from speaking out at all. They wish to remove all references of faith from every public aspect of society. I see that suppressing and oppressing Christians becoming the 'politically correct' thing to do. Oh, wait a minute, I've already read about this, in Revelation!
Political correctness is fickle. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT! God's Word has lasted since the beginning, unchanged and unblemished. God never changes, His Truth never changes, and His Promises to us never change.
In His time on earth, Jesus challenged the notions of His day. Today, His Truth still confronts false notions that people accept as politically correct. His Words challenge those who try to conform people into cookie cutter members of a godless society. His Words should challenge us not to conform to the the popular, politically correct ideas of our world. Instead, let challenge all notions against the Word of the Living God. Let us be transformed to the will of our perfect Father.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Mother's Wisdom
I was talking with my mother on the phone this past weekend. She lives 200 miles away so we try to stay in touch once a week. I love calling her on the weekends to catch up on the her and the family news. These weekly conversations are a family tradition that started when I was very young. When my family moved to Georgia, far away from my mother's parents, my mother would call my grandparents every Saturday morning around 8 a.m. These conversations kept the family close until we could be together at holidays or in the summers.
Now that I'm an adult, Mom and I have kept this tradition going. Our conversations often last an hour - or two. We've tried to stay close through the years despite the distance and our limited visits. This past weekend's conversation took a little detour from our normal conversation. As my Mom and I were talking, the topic of forgiveness came up. I admire my mother's wisdom! She said, "We need to forgive others and then forget. When we ask God to forgive us, He does, and then He forgets. He doesn't keep reminding us of our past mistakes or throwing our sin in our faces. Because He forgives and forgets, then we should do the same for others."
And she is so right! We should forgive others because God forgives us! Colossians 3:13 says, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Not only should we forgive, but we should also forget. Once we ask for God's forgiveness, we are forgiven. Our sins have been blotted out by the Blood of Christ.
Once forgiven, God doesn't keep bringing up our past, throwing it in our faces, reminding us of our failures and shortcomings. I don't know about you, but this is GOOD NEWS to me! Therefore, we need to do the same towards others. Once we forgive, we should forget. True forgiveness forgets transgressions. True forgiveness doesn't continually bring up past sins that were supposedly forgiven. True forgiveness learns from the past, but does not hold a grudge. True forgiveness doesn't have to prove itself right without a doubt. True forgiveness doesn't wound or seek revenge - sound familiar?
If we think we have forgiven someone, yet we continually revisit their offense whether in their presence or not, then maybe we haven't really forgiven. Maybe we need to ask God's help in forgiving them. Forgiveness helps us perhaps more than the offender. Unforgiveness can hinder our testimony of a forgiving God. We are His children so let us follow His example. Let's let bygones be bygones. Forgive as we have been forgiven!
Thanks, Mom! I needed this lesson this week! Yep, I love talking with my Mama on the weekends!
In His Love, Cathy
Now that I'm an adult, Mom and I have kept this tradition going. Our conversations often last an hour - or two. We've tried to stay close through the years despite the distance and our limited visits. This past weekend's conversation took a little detour from our normal conversation. As my Mom and I were talking, the topic of forgiveness came up. I admire my mother's wisdom! She said, "We need to forgive others and then forget. When we ask God to forgive us, He does, and then He forgets. He doesn't keep reminding us of our past mistakes or throwing our sin in our faces. Because He forgives and forgets, then we should do the same for others."
And she is so right! We should forgive others because God forgives us! Colossians 3:13 says, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Not only should we forgive, but we should also forget. Once we ask for God's forgiveness, we are forgiven. Our sins have been blotted out by the Blood of Christ.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."
Hebrews 8:12
and will remember their sins no more."
Hebrews 8:12
Once forgiven, God doesn't keep bringing up our past, throwing it in our faces, reminding us of our failures and shortcomings. I don't know about you, but this is GOOD NEWS to me! Therefore, we need to do the same towards others. Once we forgive, we should forget. True forgiveness forgets transgressions. True forgiveness doesn't continually bring up past sins that were supposedly forgiven. True forgiveness learns from the past, but does not hold a grudge. True forgiveness doesn't have to prove itself right without a doubt. True forgiveness doesn't wound or seek revenge - sound familiar?
If we think we have forgiven someone, yet we continually revisit their offense whether in their presence or not, then maybe we haven't really forgiven. Maybe we need to ask God's help in forgiving them. Forgiveness helps us perhaps more than the offender. Unforgiveness can hinder our testimony of a forgiving God. We are His children so let us follow His example. Let's let bygones be bygones. Forgive as we have been forgiven!
Thanks, Mom! I needed this lesson this week! Yep, I love talking with my Mama on the weekends!
In His Love, Cathy
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thank You My Dear Church Family
Thank you, my dear church family, for the lovely reception you gave today. I was totally undeserving of such a wonderful honor, but I'm so glad you all did - it was a sweet time of fellowship with all of you! I was overwhelmed by your kindness and the love that you all showered upon me and my family. Words cannot describe the love and affections I have for each and every single one of you. I've never been a part of a church family like this before in my life. It's such an indescribable feeling to know that this is what it means to 'bear with one another in love!' Ya'll have sure 'beared' with me over the years and all of my silly children's ministry antics, missteps, and crazy ideas:-)
I have read each and every single card, and cried after each one of them as well. I don't think I have any tears left to cry! Your words have touched my heart so deeply, in a way I've never experienced. Yes, it was so overwhelming to read your words of appreciation, affection, love, and encouragement. I was also touched by those of you who did so much to make this reception special. I don't know who all of you are but I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!
As I looked through the photo album Christy K. made and watched the video Paul T. put together, I was reminded of the passion that God placed in my heart for these children and the ministry. That passion is still very present, still burning in my heart. So much so that I even questioned why I was stepping down. However, I know God was crystal clear and definitely was in this decision.
As I read through the sweet cards I received today, one common theme many of you wrote was this - that God wasn't through with me yet, He still has work for me to do! And yes, He does. I'm watching and waiting for what that will be. I want to be ready. I don't want to miss it! If it's anything like the calling into children's ministry, then it will be definitely be a "Wild Ride!" I can't wait!
As I fulfill my last week as Children's Pastor, I am filled with so many mixed emotions. However, I know that I leave this ministry in the hands of two very capable ladies and dear friends. To Christy and Richelle, I know you will love these precious children as much as I do. I know that you love Christ and you will faithfully reach these little hearts with His love and His Truth. My prayers are with you, these little ones, and this ministry! To those who have served with me, it's been a pleasure and an honor! You are all such a blessing and inspiration. I've made some very dear friends in this ministry and each of you will always be dear to me! To the families of these dear children, thank you for the opportunity to love on and teach your child about Christ's love. To our church family, you are awesome! Thanks for your support & prayers! To our church staff and volunteers, thanks for everything! To Pastor Ronnie and Renae, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in such an incredible way!
And most of all, thank you God for calling me and using me to further Your Kingdom! To God be the glory!
In His Love, Cathy
I have read each and every single card, and cried after each one of them as well. I don't think I have any tears left to cry! Your words have touched my heart so deeply, in a way I've never experienced. Yes, it was so overwhelming to read your words of appreciation, affection, love, and encouragement. I was also touched by those of you who did so much to make this reception special. I don't know who all of you are but I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart!
As I looked through the photo album Christy K. made and watched the video Paul T. put together, I was reminded of the passion that God placed in my heart for these children and the ministry. That passion is still very present, still burning in my heart. So much so that I even questioned why I was stepping down. However, I know God was crystal clear and definitely was in this decision.
As I read through the sweet cards I received today, one common theme many of you wrote was this - that God wasn't through with me yet, He still has work for me to do! And yes, He does. I'm watching and waiting for what that will be. I want to be ready. I don't want to miss it! If it's anything like the calling into children's ministry, then it will be definitely be a "Wild Ride!" I can't wait!
As I fulfill my last week as Children's Pastor, I am filled with so many mixed emotions. However, I know that I leave this ministry in the hands of two very capable ladies and dear friends. To Christy and Richelle, I know you will love these precious children as much as I do. I know that you love Christ and you will faithfully reach these little hearts with His love and His Truth. My prayers are with you, these little ones, and this ministry! To those who have served with me, it's been a pleasure and an honor! You are all such a blessing and inspiration. I've made some very dear friends in this ministry and each of you will always be dear to me! To the families of these dear children, thank you for the opportunity to love on and teach your child about Christ's love. To our church family, you are awesome! Thanks for your support & prayers! To our church staff and volunteers, thanks for everything! To Pastor Ronnie and Renae, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in such an incredible way!
And most of all, thank you God for calling me and using me to further Your Kingdom! To God be the glory!
In His Love, Cathy
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Twenty-two Years Ago Today
Twenty-two years ago today I married the man of my dreams! Yes, today, Saturday, August 22 Scott and I celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary. As I reflect back over our twenty-two years of marriage, I am thankful for my husband. He has been there for me in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer. Our marriage has been a wonderful journey. Through the years we have seen both the worst and the best of times together. We have endured hardships side by side. We have celebrated victories. We have been there for each other through thick and thin.
Our marriage isn't perfect, because we aren't. However, we made a commitment to each other - a life time commitment. Even before we walked down that eisle, we decided that no matter what, divorce would never be an option for us - we'd work out any problems that came our way. We committed our marriage to Christ, making Him the center and foundation of our marital relationship. And through the years, even when things seemed at their worst, we honor that commitment we made to Christ and to each other. And when the 'honeymoon' wears off, you learn that love is a choice, a beautiful, blessed choice between a husband and wife! You choose to love that person at their best and even at their worst - isn't that how Christ loves us, while we were still sinners?
And you know what? I love my husband more today than ever before! He is my best friend, my lover, and my soul mate! He is still the man of my dreams - and so much more!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, August 20, 2009
An Oak of Righteousness
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Issaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
This was the focal passage of today's Proverb's 31 devotion. I didn't receive it until after I left for work this morning and therefore did not get a chance to read it until I arrived home this afternoon. The timing of reading it was absolutely perfect, as God's timing always is. It's been an incredible day, an indescribable day! Today has been God's day, a day like no other. I'm just glad He made me a part of it! I am thankful that a long standing prayer has been answered. He truly listened to my voice and heard my cries for mercy! Because He has forgiven me, favored me, and loves me, I in turn want to bestow the same on others. I want to be His vessel for blessing others. I desire to be an oak of righteousness.
Being an oak of righteousness is His desire for each and everyone of us as well. He binds the brokenhearted, frees the captives, and comforts those who grieve. He sets the prisoners of sin, us, free! In wholly surrendering to Christ, He will trade our ashes for beauty, our mourning with gladness, and our replace our despair with praise! He is our perfect Savior!
In His Love, Cathy
Issaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
This was the focal passage of today's Proverb's 31 devotion. I didn't receive it until after I left for work this morning and therefore did not get a chance to read it until I arrived home this afternoon. The timing of reading it was absolutely perfect, as God's timing always is. It's been an incredible day, an indescribable day! Today has been God's day, a day like no other. I'm just glad He made me a part of it! I am thankful that a long standing prayer has been answered. He truly listened to my voice and heard my cries for mercy! Because He has forgiven me, favored me, and loves me, I in turn want to bestow the same on others. I want to be His vessel for blessing others. I desire to be an oak of righteousness.
Being an oak of righteousness is His desire for each and everyone of us as well. He binds the brokenhearted, frees the captives, and comforts those who grieve. He sets the prisoners of sin, us, free! In wholly surrendering to Christ, He will trade our ashes for beauty, our mourning with gladness, and our replace our despair with praise! He is our perfect Savior!
In His Love, Cathy
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